Two Slated for Every Flight

In response to September 11, and more-locally to last May 7's China Northern Airlines MD-82 crash in China, that country's communist rulers have announced that some 2000 "Air Police" are to be hired and trained, and added to the security forces that most airlines already maintain.

The May 7 crash was originally ruled an accident; but recent investigations point to a deliberately-set cabin fire, set by a passenger who had somehow smuggled gasoline aboard. All 103 aboard, passengers and crew, died. [Some reports cited 112 deaths --ed.] The crash occurred in the northern city of Dalian, as the plane flew into the sea, short of the runway. Early reports said investigators had pooh-poohed the idea of a fire on board; as more information became available, that opinion changed.

The 'help wanted' ads call for young men, "quick-witted, brave and strong," to fly as uniformed, lightly-armed Air Police. Although Red China had experienced hijackings before, there has not been a documented "suicide saboteur" reported, prior to last May's crash.

FMI: www.cna.com.cn